Living near an airport 'may be bad for your health'

Conclusion This study aimed to assess the link between pollution from air traffic and health outcomes. Researchers used a number of data sources, finding an association between levels of carbon monoxide and hospitalisation rates for respiratory and heart-related issues. Perhaps worryingly, these effects were observed at lower levels of carbon monoxide exposure than the allowed amounts found in Environmental Protection Agency mandates. However, this study does have a number of limitations: Air traffic data was only from passenger aircrafts. The focus was only on the population within 10km of the airport. We don't know the levels of other pollution sources in the areas studied, or whether residents spend large amounts of time in other areas, either for work or study purposes, for example. The main sources of air pollution are traffic and industrial sources, such as factories. These findings are in line with other research, however, which suggests increased pollution levels are associated with poorer health outcomes. Air pollution is a known major risk factor for health, and ways to reduce levels should be investigated to reduce the burden of disease from stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and both chronic and acute respiratory diseases, including asthma. These findings might suggest policies may need to be reassessed worldwide to ensure the best possible health outcomes.   Links To The Headlines Living near an airport IS bad for your health: People w...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Heart/lungs Lifestyle/exercise Source Type: news